All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Day, Hallowmas, the Feast of All Saints, or Solemnity of All Saints, is a Christian festival celebrated in honor of all the saints, known and unknown. In medieval England, the festival was known as All Hallows, and its eve is still known as Halloween. The period from October 31 to November 2 (All Souls’ Day) is sometimes known as Allhallowtide. On All Saints Day, it is common for families to attend church, as well as visit cemeteries in order to lay flowers and candles on the graves of their deceased loved ones.
The Christian celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day stems from a belief that there is a powerful spiritual bond between those in heaven (the “Church triumphant”), and the living (the “Church militant”). In the Lutheran churches, such as the Church of Sweden, it assumes a role of general commemoration of the dead. In the Swedish calendar, the observance takes place on the Saturday between 31 October and 6 November. In many Lutheran Churches, it is moved to the first Sunday of November.
Augustinian monk, Father Martin Luther, Professor of Scripture, posted the 95 Theses on October 31st, for an academic discussion on the practice and selling of indulgences. The Church’s doors were used as a kind of bulletin board for events in the city. Luther chose October 31st because the next day, All Saints Day, many townspeople would be coming to All Saints Church for the Mass. Today, All Saints Day is the day to remember all the saints, living and dead.
At church on All Saint’s Sunday, November 3, 2019, members of the congregation were invited to come forward to light a candle in honor and/or in memory of the saints in their lives; such as parents, grandparents, teachers, as well as those loved ones who have passed away. Earlier in the service, the pastor explained that all Christians are saints. By lighting three candles, I specifically remembered my family, my in-laws family and a friend, Gerry Schueman.
Gerald Martin Schueman
May 27, 1936 – July 3, 2019
God of many nations, we celebrate the life of your servant Gerry, born 92% German, 8% Finnish and adopted as 100% Swedish by Sweden House. His mother’s father immigrated to the United States and established Lutheran churches in the Dakotas. There is much concern in northern Europe and Scandinavia with changes in the economy. Alleviate the uncertainty due to Brexit and bring all people together. Jesus said to welcome the stranger. (Matt 10:40) Look with favor on all newcomers to America.
Jesus, you said to welcome the stranger and feed the hungry. (Matt 10:40, 25:37) Gerry contributed his time, talents, and resources, both goods and money, to those in need. He was a wordsmith that attracted others to the varied organizations he supported. Gerry’s dedicated efforts for his favorite organizations brought joy to many and his presence will be greatly missed.
Holy Spirit, you are our guide and comforter. (John 14:15-17) When in the Navy, Gerry was a Protestant Lay Leader for his ship. As a mentor to boys, he guided them to the successful completion of their Eagle Badge projects. Gerry was in heaven whenever he was on the local Trail, Pimmit Run; whether he was walking his dog, trimming the trail, or building steps to cross the creek. Holy Spirit, look with favor on your servant who will be greatly missed here on Earth.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26) The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:17) Paul said, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
We, who are the friends of Gerry, lift up his family to you. We ask for your supernatural protection and love to shower over them. We ask for you to carry them through these days of deep grieving. Draw this family together as they move through their sadness and grief. Lord, we pray that this family can easily feel our love extended toward them. As friends of the family, remind us to stand by this family and pray for this family. Help us to find ways of extending companionship and expressing support.
Lord, look with compassion on those who grieve, especially Gerry’s wife Margaret, daughter Angela, son Greg, brother Kenneth, three granddaughters, and many other relatives and close friends.
Grant them the assurance of your presence now and faith in your eternal goodness, that in them may be fulfilled the promise that those who mourn shall be comforted. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
SOURCES
All Saints’ Day
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints%27_Day
(accessed 11/03/2019)
On All Saints Day: in 1517 and Today, November 1, 2016
https://concordiaandkoinonia.wordpress.com/2016/11/01/on-all-saints-day-in-1517-and-today/
(accessed 11/03/2019)
Bible Gateway, New International Version
https://www.biblegateway.com
(accessed 09/28/2019)
7 Soothing Funeral Prayers for Family and Friends, Prayer #5, Nov 6, 2018
https://connectusfund.org/7-soothing-funeral-prayers-for-family-and-friends
(accessed 09/28/2019)
United Methodist Book of Worship
Pastor’s Pocket Edition, page 73
The United Methodist Publishing House, 1992
Book of Common Prayer
The Episcopal Church, September 1979
Bible Promises for You
Zondervan, 2005
The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations
Baker Books, 2000
Shaping the Prayers of the People, the art of intercession
William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2014
Meeting with Margaret Schueman
Tyson Corner, Virginia, 09/29/2019
David Robert Lambert 
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